Oesophageal cancer
Oesophageal cancer doesn't usuallyhave any symptoms at first. But as the cancer grows, it can cause swallowing problems and other symptoms.
Difficulty swallowing is the most common symptom of oesophageal cancer.
The cancer can narrow the oesophagus, making it difficult for food to pass down. It may feel as though food is getting stuck and sometimes swallowing may be uncomfortable or painful.
You may have to chew your food more thoroughly, or you can only eat soft foods. If the tumour continues to grow, even liquids may become difficult to swallow.
Other symptoms of oesophageal cancer can include:
See your GP if you experience:
The symptoms can be caused byseveral conditions and in many cases won't be caused by cancer but it's a good idea to get them checked out.
Read about how oesophageal cancer is diagnosed .
Find out about oesophageal cancer, including what the symptoms are, why it occurs and what the main treatments are.
Find out about the main symptoms of oesophageal cancer and when to get medical advice.
Find out about the things that can increase your risk of oesophageal cancer, including GORD, alcohol, smoking, obesity and an unhealthy diet.
Find out how oesophageal is diagnosed, including which tests you may need to have.
Find out about the main treatments for oesophageal cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Find information and advice about living with oesophageal cancer, including how your diet may change and what financial support is available.
After discovering he had cancer of the oesophagus in 1998, keen marathon runner Clive Alexander had an oesophago-gastrectomy.